Senate inquiry into Qatar airways block kicks off

The Senate inquiry into the federal government’s bilateral air service agreements kicked off on Tuesday morning.

The inquiry is also looking into the government’s decision to block Qatar Airways from expanding its business in Australia by adding extra flights.

A key witness for the inquiry was Qantas’ former chief economist Tony Webber – who is now the chief executive of Airline Intelligence and Research.

Mr Webber told the inquiry Qantas had likely cancelled flights deliberately to hoard slots at major airports and to increase airfares.

He also suggested the Albanese government had blocked Qatar to deliberately protect Qantas’ bottom line.